Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco wins second straight Player of the Week award after brace in DC

Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco earned MLS Player of the Week honors from the North American Soccer Reporters for the second straight week, after a dazzling two-goal performance that paced TFC's 2-1 win over league leaders D.C. United on Saturday. The Italian international is the first player to win back-to-back POTW awards in 2015. 

After United's Steve Birnbaum gave D.C. an early lead, Giovinco leveled the score in the 34th minutes with a bit of magic. Taking on D.C. defender Sean Franklin, Giovinco worked his way into the six-yard box with a nifty move, then netted a beautiful finish from a tight angle at the near post.

• READ: DC United tip their hats to "world-class" Giovinco: "He was the difference"

Giovinco went on to secure Toronto’s third straight win in the 83rd minute with another breathtaking goal. Midfielder Benoit Cheyrou picked up a turnover near the halfway line and played the ball to Jozy Altidore, who dummied the pass, letting it find Giovinco. The “Atomic Ant” took two touches before blasting a long-range strike past United goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra into the left corner of the net.

The Italian has been red-hot of late, having been nominated for the Etihad Airways Player of the Month award as well after notching two goals, both game-winners, and three assists in May. TFC return to MLS action on Saturday, June 20 when they host New York City FC at BMO Field (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.